Never Have I Ever season 1 episode 10 recap: …said I’m sorry

Never Have I Ever episode 10 ends the season on an emotional but powerful note, giving the protagonist Devi a few of the things she’s always wanted.

Season 1 of Never Have I Ever concludes with an emotionally-charged finale. With Devi having said some harsh words to her mother in the penultimate episode, the show’s protagonist finds she has no choice but to leave home.

The family has so many unresolved issues, but one event can bring them together if only Devi and Nalini would listen to each other. We recap what went down in the unexpected finale.

This is the Life

Devi may want to leave home, but where can she go? Her behavior towards everyone around her has made her persona non grata with most people, especially her friends, Fabiola and Eleanor, who ‘broke up’ with her in an earlier episode of Never Have I Ever.

She can’t possibly move in with Paxton—they kissed once, and after Nalini pretty much called him dumb, he won’t give Devi the time of day.

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That leaves one option—Ben Gross, who blames his attempts (plural) at kissing Devi on being drunk. You weren’t that drunk, Ben.

But Devi could do worse than move into Ben’s home. His parents are incredibly well-off, they have an enormous house, plenty of rooms, a gym, a pool, and a lovely housekeeper, Patty.

It’s a great life, except for the fact that Devi is alone and nobody loves her. Fortunately for Devi, that’s about to change.

The Trio

Nalini decides to meet with Devi’s therapist, mainly to talk about Devi. But the session becomes more about Nalini, and how much she misses Mohan. Eventually, she decides that on Mohan’s upcoming birthday, she and Devi will spread his ashes.

After the meeting with the therapist—who has been a joy watch throughout this season of Never Have I Ever—Nalini shares her idea with Devi. It does not go down well. Devi is still terrified that her mom will drag her to India. She thinks her father’s ashes are being used as a ploy to bring her back home. Devi will not fall for it.

When Devi tells Ben about her sneaky mother, Ben is surprised and takes immediate action. He gathers Eleanor and Fabiola, and Fabiola’s robot, for an intervention. They’re still angry with Devi, but upon hearing that Devi is refusing to attend the ashes ceremony, they realize something needs to be done.

At Ben’s home, Fabiola and Eleanor tell Devi that they are upset with her, but they still care. Devi is pleased to hear that, but first, she needs to help her friends.

Since Eleanor’s mom left her—again—she quit drama and started wearing beige and tan clothes. It’s not her, and she is not happy. In moments, Devi has Eleanor admitting to herself that she wants to go back on stage and to her colorful clothes.

And just like that, the friends are close again and help Devi realizes that she can’t be so narrow-minded about her father’s ashes. But the ceremony is 5 p.m., and it’s already 4:55 p.m.

Malibu

Devi can’t drive yet, and neither can her friends. Ben, once again, rises to the occasion—he will take Devi home to go with her mother and Kamala.

That’s really sweet and all, but there’s only one problem—Ben only has a learner’s permit and drives like a turtle. Unsurprisingly, he gets Devi home too late—Nalini and Kamala have already left.

But Ben decides to take Devi to Malibu even though he has no highway driving experience. It’s a miracle they weren’t killed!

With none of Devi’s messages going through to Nalini or Kamala, racing to the Malibu beach is her only option. She is tantalizingly close—she can see Nalini and Kamala on the beach, but she’s still too far away. The wind is too strong, and her voice fails to carry.

Fear not, dear viewer, there is a new hero on the horizon—or standing right next to Devi. John McEnroe, none other than the narrator of Devi’s life on Never Have I Ever, hears Devi’s story and yells out to Nalini to wait—he certainly knows a lot about yelling!

Devi and Nalini have a tearful heart-to-heart as they prepare to scatter Mohan’s ashes. Devi apologizes for her hurtful words—she loves her mom and can’t live without her. Nalini similarly apologizes—she’s hard on Devi, but her daughter is her entire world.

And with a Sanskrit prayer and U2’s “Beautiful Day” playing on Kamala’s phone, the family bid Mohan farewell.

As the three of them head back, Devi finds Ben in his car, fast asleep. He had waited for her, he had been there for her through all this and given her sanctuary. Devi’s heart may have beat faster for Paxton, but Ben was there for her. Without thinking, Devi and Ben kiss.

Meanwhile, back at Devi’s place, Paxton stands before the locked door and calls Devi, asking her to meet up when she has time. That’s probably not going to happen, Paxton.

Final Thoughts

Never Have I Ever has been nothing short of surprising from beginning to end. Though the finale was wrapped up a bit too neatly, it still managed to bring all the arcs to a satisfying conclusion.

Though the show has been receiving rave reviews, some criticisms have been trickling in—most of which have to do with the humor elements on the show.

Never Have I Ever doesn’t share any commentary on some of the more ignorant statements made by the characters—which opens the show up to criticisms of being insensitive and phobic towards certain communities.

While these points are valid, they aren’t taking into that not everything is meant to be taken literally.

The show definitely has issues with ableism and fatphobia—whether these can be addressed were there to be a second season remains to be seen.

With its diversity and sharp writing, Never Have I Ever has a lot going for it and was extremely enjoyable to watch. But it’s not perfect and hopefully will learn from the mistakes of the first season.

Never Have I Ever is currently streaming on Netflix.